I leave early tomorrow morning to catch a flight to Deer Lake, Newfoundland. I am a Commissioner to the 42nd General Council of the United Church of Canada. This General Council meeting happens every three years. United Church folk from across Canada come together to consider proposals that have been submitted by members, Presbyteries and Conferences. These proposals might reflect a social concern, or a direction for the church, or changes in governance and policy. Whatever comes to us will have been carefully thought out and prayerfully presented.
Over 700 people will be gathering for the Council by the time you count in the Commissioners, the presenters, the organizers and guests. We are meeting at Grenfell College in Corner Brook. The Council starts on Saturday afternoon and runs to next Friday. It promises to be a jam-packed week.
Among the decisions that will be made is who will be the next Moderator of the United Church of Canada. Twelve people have offered their gifts and commitment to take on this Leadership role. There will be prayerful reflection as we hear them speak and also have opportunity to interact with them over the days before the election.
We do get one afternoon off. On Wednesday there were a number of options presented to select from so that we might get a bit of local flavour while we are on “The Rock”.
Along with the discussion at the Council and connecting with old friends I have met over the years, I look forward to meeting new people from across the country. I am also keen to hear from the Youth Pilgrims. One young person was selected from each Conference to participate in a pilgrimage from British Columbia to Newfoundland. They have been travelling together for these last few weeks, learning about the United Church of Canada, as they crossed the land from ocean to ocean. It will be wonderful to hear their comments and observations.
I will try to blog on occasion while I am at the Council. They assure us that there will be good wireless connection and I am taking my laptop. So … I will do my best to keep you posted. You can also watch the Council as it will be live-streamed on www.gc42.ca and as well daily updates will be posted there.
This week, as you say your prayers, please include the people who are attending General Council.
